Funding flows for three aerodrome upgrades in Durack

March 26, 2018

More than $240,000 from the Australian Government will be invested in in upgrading three aerodromes throughout Durack, improving access to basic services and essential deliveries such as food, medicine and mail under Round 5 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program announced today.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said that funding of $242,519 would see the start of upgrade works at the Beacon, Parnngurr and Wyndham airstrips in Durack.

“The aerodrome at Beacon will have its airstrip graded, vegetation cleared and new lighting and fencing installed using $157,000 from the Government, $200,000 from the WA Government and almost $120,000 from the Shire of Mt Marshall,” Ms Price said.

“The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley will match the Government’s $45,000 grant to install new cabling at the Wyndham aerodrome.

“The Government will also fully fund new fencing around the Parnngurr (Cotton Creek) aerodrome through its $40,519 grant.

“These grants are great news for each community, with the upgrades ensuring our remote communities remain well-connected and will help alleviate the tyranny of distance.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the funding was part of the Coalition Government’s allocation in the 2015-16 Budget of $33.7 million over four years to deliver better access and safety upgrades for remote community airstrips.

“Connectivity is important for every community, but none more so than remote towns and smaller communities across Australia which rely on good transport links to survive and thrive,” Mr McCormack said.

“These upgrades ensure continued access to essential, potentially lifesaving, health care as well as fresh food, mail services and access to employment and education opportunities.”

For more information on the program visit https://infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/raug.aspx.